Mercedes Benz have addressed any build quality issues that the previous model may have suffered.

In addition the Media Interface allows the connection and control of portable media devices (e.g. an MP3 player, USB storage media and iPod). Cables are included for aux-in, USB or iPod connectivity.

This system is a step up from the COMAND systems of old and now allows full post code entry when setting destinations and full control over iPods.

We also benefited from Surround sound system (£636.17 option) - Harman Kardon Logic 7 with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS, 11 high-performance speakers and sub-woofer, the DVD auto-changer is capable of playing back video DVDs, so it is possible to watch a film when stationary

Our Mercedes Benz M-Class test car also had a DAB radio tuner (£313.19 option) which performed very well in Devon, better than domestic home radios which seem to lose the signal too easily. It was quite rare to lose the signal even in quite remote parts of Devon; even then you can resort to FM frequencies.

Most of the Command system commands can be controlled by voice and there are controls on the steering wheel for volume and to answer the Bluetooth telephone system.

What We Liked

AirMATIC air-suspension with level adjustment and Adaptive Damping System

What We Disliked

Muddy side steps were difficult to get over and proved to be slippery when wet

The steering column mounted gear selector is awkward to use (you do get used to it eventually but in our opinion it is slower to operate)

What we'd like to See

Some of the expensive options fitted as standard to a vehicle with this price tag

Build Quality

Mercedes Benz have addressed any build quality issues that the previous model may have suffered.

Everything feels solid - features good quality durable materials and feels less utilitarian than the Land Rover Discovery 4.

Value for Money

The problem with the Mercedes Benz M-Class is the expensive options list - we would want all of the options fitted to our test car but that adds another £10,000 to the list price and that is not easy to stomach especially when the Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE costs circa £4k more than the less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes Benz M-Class.

As with all Mercedes Benz models residual values should prove resilient to depreciation.

Summary

Overall the Mercedes Benz M-Class is better to drive (on-road) than the Land Rover Discovery 4 (which is very good to drive) because it is more car like and has better road manners. If it was our money we would have to look carefully at the Land Rover Discovery 4 as it offers a better all round package for a similar amount of money. It has the advantage of seven seats as standard on the higher specification models and it features the superb All Terrain Response system. Plus as we live in the country and regularly face situations where the Discovery 4 would fair better, but if we were looking for a family SUV and lived in the town/city it would be a much closer call.